The Montpelier Historic Preservation Commission's main role is planning and advocacy for the protection and appreciation of Montpelier's historic and architecturally significant resources. How this is to be accomplished is a broad charge. The creation of the MHPC and commitment to certain activities will enable the City of Montpelier to become a Certified Local Government (CLG), which will make a number of financial and technical assistance resources available to carry out a number of initiatives that have been on the waiting list for a long time. In fact, becoming a CLG has been on the waiting list since the adoption of the 2000 Master Plan.

Duties

As outlined in the agreement between the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the City of Montpelier, the MHPC has the following duties:

To create and maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties within its jurisdiction that is coordinated with the Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey and the Vermont Archeological Inventory.

To prepare in coordination with and submit to the Division a report concerning properties within the Local Government which are under consideration for nomination for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The report shall be prepared in a manner consistent with relevant provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act.

To cooperate with the Division with respect to the Division's monitoring and evaluation of the CLG Program.

To adopt conflict of interest rules in connection with its Historic Preservation Program which incorporate the detailed requirements set out in the National Register Programs Guidelines, Chapter 3.

To submit an annual report on or before the thirtieth day after the end of the City's Fiscal Year.

The CLG program will also support (financially and otherwise) a wide range of initiatives that the City has been anticipating for a number of years but has lacked the capacity and resources to undertake. The list of projects that will help protect and improve Montpelier's built environment and historic resources is very long. Examples include:

Updating the design guidelines and standards of the Design Control District, including the district's boundaries;

Improving Montpelier's lighting standards;

Developing public information materials (print and Web-based) to promote the protection of Montpelier's significant architectural resources;

Updating Montpelier's sign regulations;

Initiating public events to draw attention to Montpelier's historic resources; and

A regular schedule of the MHPC has not yet been established; they meet on an as-needed basis. The CLG program requires that the commission meet at least four times a year. It is quite likely the commission will want to meet more often because of the many topics to explore and activities to undertake.

The MHPC can have no less than three (3) no more than seven (7) members, as appointed by the City Council for terms of three years. Members must reside in Montpelier and have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation, whether as professionals or lay persons. To the extent possible, at least a majority of the members should be professionals from the disciplines of history, archaeology, architectural history, architecture, and historical architecture. Members representing other historic preservation related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology, and lay members are encouraged.

When a discipline is not represented on the commission, the commission must seek the assistance of the Division in obtaining the necessary expertise when considering National Register nominations and other actions that will impact properties which are normally evaluated by a professional in such discipline.

Contacts

City of Montpelier
Department of Planning and Community Development
39 Main Street, City Hall
Montpelier, VT 05602-2950
Tel: (802) 223-9506
FAX: (802) 223-9524
E-mail: planning@montpelier-vt.org